Top 10 Birdwatching Vacations in the South Pacific

In some of the most rugged parts of the South Pacific are also some of the greatest bird populations. From the remote wetlands of Kakadu, to the remote islands south of New Zealand or the uncharted waters of the Sepik in Papua New Guinea are seabirds, albatross, cockatoos, swans, pelicans, falcons and birds of paradise. A fabulous location for any twitcher.

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

One third of Australia’s birdlife calls this wetlands sanctuary home, so take a boat safari and see how close you can get to them. Mind the crocs!

New Zealand islands

The islands south of New Zealand including Snare, Auckland, Macquaire, Campbell, Antipodes and the Bounty Islands, are a real bird lover’s paradise and somewhat of a forgotten Galapagos. The unspoiled environment is home to seabirds, albatross and penguins.

Murray River, Australia

Wildlife is abundant on the Murray and a haven for 350 species of birds including sulphur crested cockatoos, black swans and pelicans.

Daintree River, Australia

Birdwatchers will love the world heritage listed Daintree rainforest in far north Queensland. Varied habitats of rainforest, rivers, mangroves, wetlands and beaches offer some of Australia’s best birding.

Baiyer River sanctuary, Papua New Guinea

This wildlife sanctuary in the western highlands, is home to the largest population of birds of paradise in the world. The rich rainforest boats plenty of other birdlife and wildlife. Paddle the river or wander the trails to explore.

Katherine Gorge, Australia

The towering walls of the thirteen spectacular gorges that make up the Katherine Gorge provide shelter to many species of birds. Peregrine falcons, black kites, sulfur-crested cockatoos, lorikeets and even flying fox share this unique habitat with more ominous creatures such as crocodiles. Vary your journey by canoe or on foot, try to take in the Aboriginal cave art and say hello to the little rock wallabies.

The Sepik, Papua New Guinea

The mangroves, grasslands, and watery environments along the Sepik are filled with swooping water birds, hornbills, cassowaries, eagles, rare pigeons and the legendary birds of paradise. Villagers along the riverbanks also collect colorful bird feathers for their ornate headdresses.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

These remote islands off the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island are amongst the most popular recreational areas and well known amongst birders; particularly the predator free islands that are home to a number of rare species.

Lake Eyre, South Australia

These massive salt lakes in the remote Australian outback only fill every few years. When they do it they attract hundreds of pelicans and other bird life, plus hundreds of people who flock to the lake to savour the rare spectacle.

New Caledonia

This is a popular birding location, largely for the famed Kagu that calls this island home. This bird is well known for its loud calls, nocturnal habits and is highly endangered. Other bird species of interest include a range of endemics including doves, parakeets, pigeons, honeyeaters, a tool using crow and a mysterious grass bird.